An Essay on "Job History"
by Mary Stuck
Proulx’s
short story “Job History” follows Wyoming native Leeland Lee from the time of
his birth until he is about fifty years old. Like many of her characters,
Leeland is unattractive, with his thick neck, heavy bone structure, and eyes
that are “as pouchy as those of a middle-aged alcoholic” (83). He is born the
youngest of six children; the only other family background information Proulx
gives is to make it known that the father is short-tempered.
Leeland
is a typical Proulx character. In addition to being unattractive, he spends his
entire life jumping from job to job, never able to stay in one place for long,
and has a hard time supporting his wife and their children, none of which are
close to their father. The Wyoming native moves from hog-raising to truck
driving to butchering, and around again in an almost circular pattern. He
doesn’t get along with his bosses, and never sees his family.
Throughout
the story, Leeland manages to catch a glimpse of the news, letting the reader
know what else is going on in the world at that time. This brief new update
illustrates the idea that Leeland has no time for current events; he is too
caught up in his upturned life. By the end of the story, after Leeland goes
through thirteen jobs, raising four children, and the death of his wife,
“nobody has time to listen to the news” (89).
This
story differs from many of the others in Close Range. It doesn’t tell a
story about a certain event, but instead follows a broken man through fifty
years of his life. The writing is in typical Annie Proulx fashion, with short,
fragmented sentences. The man is desperate, almost pathetic, and the reader
cannot help but feel sorry for him. He spends his life trying to find
happiness, trying to be somebody, and never succeeds.
|
